With three straight birdies on the finish holes, the Swede was able to look back on a round of 64 strokes, seven under par, and a result that was only matched by two other players in the starting field - leading Dustin Johnson (also 64) and the Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, who was alone to walk around on 63 strokes.

Norlander missed the qualifying limit

Norén thus sailed up to ninth place, with a total of minus 12. His two previous rounds, with slightly worse results, however, means that he is a full ten strokes behind world four Johnson. The American went around on Friday on an impressive 60 strokes and has a five-stroke lead before the decision.

The competition's other Swede, Henrik Norlander, missed the qualifying limit after two days of play.